They're in good hands
Not parked in a kennel. Not waiting. At The Ark, your pet gets real space, real care, and staff who know the difference between a happy animal and a stressed one.
Dogs get daycare built in.
Cats get their own quiet condo.
Exotic pets welcome too. Lizards, birds, rabbits, pigs. We've seen it all.
Dog Social Boarding
STARTING AT $45 A NIGHT
For dogs who thrive in a pack. Group free play during the day, a real bed to wind down at night. The full experience — they'll sleep well, make friends, and come back for more.
Available at all locations.
Dog Solo boarding
STARTING AT $65 A NIGHT
For dogs who'd rather not share the spotlight. No group play, but potty breaks, private yard time, and enrichment add-ons are all on the table.
Not available at Hixson and East Brainerd.
we board more than dogs
Cats, lizards, birds, rabbits, pigs — whatever they are, we've got a spot for them. We've seen it all and we're set up for it.
Cat Boarding
Dedicated cat rooms — calm, climate-controlled, and completely separate from the dogs. Your cat gets the quiet they want and the attention they'll pretend not to want.
STARTING AT $45 A NIGHT
Exotic Pet Boarding
Lizards, birds, rabbits, pigs — if they're part of your family, they're welcome at The Ark. Specialized care for pets that need more than a standard kennel.
STARTING AT $45 A NIGHT
Boarding Requirements
For Dogs
Age
The Ark welcomes dogs of all ages as long as they have had two rounds of shots and a rabies vaccination after 4 months.
Must Be Spayed or Neutered
All dogs 8 months or older must be spayed or neutered.
Vaccinations
You must provide proof that your pet is current on the following vaccinations:
- Rabies
- Bordetella
- Distemper/Parvo
Temperament
All dogs must pass our assessment day and be friendly with other dogs and people. This is for the safety of other dogs, our crew, and our guests.
For Cats
Age
The Ark welcomes cats of all ages as long as they have had two rounds of shots and a rabies vaccination after 4 months.
Must Be Spayed or Neutered
All cats 8 months or older must be spayed or neutered.
Vaccinations
You must provide proof that your pet is current on the following vaccinations:
- Rabies
- FVRCP
- FeLV
Temperament
Cats do not get assessed but should not be overly aggressive to our crew.
For Exotics
Age
We do not have any age restrictions on exotic pets.
Temperament
Exotic pets cannot be overly aggressive to our crew. We do not allow any venomous pets.
Exotic Pet Enclosures
We require guests to provide their own crate, cage, or tank for any exotic pets.
PET BOARDING FAQS
What do I need to bring for boarding my pet?
- For dogs and cats, we recommend bringing your pet’s regular food and a favorite toy or treat (please note that rawhides and tennis balls are not permitted due to choking hazards). We provide beds, bowls, and house food if needed. Please note that there will be an additional charge for house food per day.
- All belongings should be marked with the guest’s first and last name.
- Please leave any blankets or bedding home, as we provide guests with a blanket upon request.
- All medications must be in the original container with the guest’s first and last name listed. The Ark will administer the medication as it is directed on the original container. If the directions differ from what is listed, please bring a note from your veterinarian with the updated instructions for the medication. Please note that there will be an additional charge for administering all medications.
- For exotic pets, owners must provide their pet’s enclosure, food, and any additional supplies needed to ensure a safe and comfortable stay.
Do I need to bring my pet's food?
No, you do not have to bring your pet's food. However, not having your normal pet food could upset your pet's stomach. We do offer a chicken based house food at an additional charge of $6.00 each day.
Do you have a crew member with the dogs 24/7?
No, our team is not physically present with the dogs 24/7—but your pet’s safety and comfort are always our top priority. Our trained staff provides attentive, hands-on supervision throughout the day during playtime and routine care. In addition, our facility is purposefully designed with secure enclosures and monitoring systems, ensuring your pet remains safe, comfortable, and well cared for at all times. If any concern arises, our team is prepared to respond promptly.
Webcam access by location:
- East Brainerd & Hixson: 24/7 webcams include kennel areas
- Southside & Madison: Cameras do not cover kennel areas; pets are viewable during free play only
- Huntsville & Red Bank: Cameras are limited to free play yards and turn off after playtime ends
Does The Ark have any breed restrictions?
The Ark does not have any breed restrictions. We assess all dogs based on their behavior and temperament and do not discriminate according to breed.
Why is my dog so tired and thirsty when they get home?
Dogs at daycare spend the day playing, socializing, and staying active—much like a child who plays all day and comes home happily exhausted. It’s completely normal for them to be tired, take long naps, and experience “the crash” afterward. That same increased activity level can also make your dog extra thirsty. While we provide constant access to fresh water throughout their stay, many dogs will still drink more than usual once they get home as they rehydrate after a full day of fun.
Do all dogs like daycare?
- The simple answer is no—not all dogs enjoy a free-play environment. Every dog has a unique personality, comfort level, and social style, which is why we require an initial daycare assessment. During this time, our trained team gradually introduces your dog to a playgroup and closely monitors their behavior for up to four hours.
- Some dogs may feel overwhelmed in a group setting, while others may be more shy or display behaviors that make group play unsafe or stressful. Our staff is trained to recognize these signs and determine whether daycare is the right fit.
- If your dog is not approved for group play, it does not mean they are a bad dog or that you’re a bad pet parent—it simply means that a free-play environment isn’t the best option for them right now. Many dogs thrive in alternative settings, and we’re happy to help you find the right fit.
- At our Red Bank, Southside, Huntsville, and Madison locations, we offer Daystay and Solo Boarding options designed specifically for dogs who prefer more individualized care and a quieter environment.
Are there any discounts?
Yes, the discounts are:
- 10% OFF & One Free Kennel Bath for pets staying 6+ nights
- 10% OFF for military
- 10% OFF for Erlanger employees
- 15% OFF each pet when you board two pers in the same lodging area
What if I need to cancel my pet’s grooming reservation?
Grooming Cancellation Policy
The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel has a 24 hour cancellation policy for all grooming appointments. Cancellations or clients who reschedule their appointments within 24 hours of their appointment time will forfeit their $50 deposit made at the time of booking. This forfeited deposit will not be applied to future bookings.
Grooming No Show Policy
Any grooming appointment that does not cancel or arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled appointment time will be charged a ‘No Show Fee’ of $50. This fee, along with the $50 deposit made at the time of booking will be charged to the credit card kept on file. The total of $100 is non-refundable and will not be credited towards future bookings. If a client does not cancel or show for two or more appointments, a 100% deposit will be required for future bookings. The Ark reserves the right to refuse service at any time due to cancelled or missed appointments.
What if I need to cancel my pet’s overnight stay reservation?
PEAK PERIOD CANCELLATION POLICY
The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel has a 72 hour cancellation policy for any Overnight Stay reservations booked during our Peak Periods. Deposits are 100% refundable if the reservation is cancelled at least 72 hours prior to your pet’s scheduled check-in date. All cancellations received within 72 hours of your pet’s arrival will be forfeited.
NON-PEAK PERIOD CANCELLATION POLICY
The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel has a 24 hour cancellation policy for any Overnight Stay reservation outside of our Peak Period dates. Deposits are 100% refundable if the reservation is cancelled at least 24 hours prior to your pet’s scheduled check-in date. Cancellations within 24 hours of their arrival date will forfeit their 25% deposit made at the time of booking.
Any forfeited deposit cannot be applied to future stays or services at The Ark.
Can someone other than myself pick up my pet?
Yes, anyone is able to pick up your pet from The Ark. We ask that the expected person’s name be noted in your account and must present a valid ID to us upon arrival.
What is the difference between Daycare and Daystay?
Our Doggie Daycare program is where dogs are grouped by activity level and interaction with other dogs, to play in our indoor/outdoor play areas. All dogs are required to complete an evaluation before being placed in a play group.
Day Stay is a great alternative option for pet guests that are not a good match for Doggie Daycare. Dogs that do not pass the Daycare evaluation will be placed into Day Stay instead.
Some of the factors that may require Day Stay for your dog:
- Dogs that do not pass the Daycare Evaluation
- Aggressive dogs that do not play well with other dogs
- Decreased mobility issues
- Unneutered males and unspayed females over 8 months
- Shy or uncomfortable dogs in group settings